Layover in Chicago
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Southern California
Programs: AAdvantage, HHonors
Posts: 251
Layover in Chicago
Moderator: Not sure if this is a Travel Destination post or AA post -
Looking at flight itineraries to go LAX to EZE or MVD; AA offers an attractively priced flight that has an 8-hour layover in ORD.
Is that enough time to get into the city to grab lunch, go up the Hancock? tower, or something, then get back? I assumed we'd be ticketed all the way to EZE we we check-in at LAX?
I think another itinerary routes through JFK with a long layover.
Looking at flight itineraries to go LAX to EZE or MVD; AA offers an attractively priced flight that has an 8-hour layover in ORD.
Is that enough time to get into the city to grab lunch, go up the Hancock? tower, or something, then get back? I assumed we'd be ticketed all the way to EZE we we check-in at LAX?
I think another itinerary routes through JFK with a long layover.
#2
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 1,431
I think 8 hours would be fine. The blue line takes ~45 minutes max to downtown, but I am not sure about now with the construction. One of the Chicago locals would have to chime in on that.
Have fun.
Have fun.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
#4
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA 1.5 MM Exec Plat, WN A-List, DL Silver, UA nonrev
Posts: 2,593
I live in Chicago and I agree with your assessment. Within an hour, you should be able to get to downtown on the blue line (even with construction). Figure about 2-3 hours for lunch and Hancock tour, and you'd still have plenty of time to return to the airport for your flight.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS
Posts: 6,828
and if u have at least plt status or ac member, come back, take a shower and enjoy ur flight
#6
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP/2MM, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,185
Provided no delays, yes, it's doable. It's a 45min-1hr subway ride to downtown, and you wouldn't spend more than 1-2hr at the Hancock (unless you eat there too).
#7
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: MDW/ORD and the late lamented Meigs Field...
Programs: UA 1MM Premier 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium/ LT
Posts: 1,229
If it's a weekend, you need to allow at least 90 minutes for that subway ride to downtown-- there is construction on the line and they occasionally insert a bus ride into the middle of the trip on Saturdays and/or Sundays. But you should still have enough time to play!
#8
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Miami/Philly
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 103
Love the views from the Sears Tower!
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,968
Definitely do-able in a day. I've done it several times. Hop on the CTA and head downtown. Leave yourself enough time for a shower at the AC before your flight to EZE. If you are EXP, you could use the Flagship Lounge as well.
#10
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA PLT 1.95 MM, SPG gld
Posts: 75
ORD Layover
I live in Chicago, and agree that you'll have plenty of time. The only problem with the Blue Line is that it comes in way west of the Hancock and Mich. Avenue. Your best bet is to take it all the way downtown, get off at Lake or Washington, and either cab it up to N. Michigan, or switch to the Red Line and get off at Chicago Avenue-- then you're only a few blocks west.
#11
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP,2MM, DL Gold,Starwood PLT
Posts: 3,876
If money is not a huge concern and depending on your arrival and depature trimes, a car service is often a better opton. And yes as many have said, you have more than enough time to go into the city.
The Blue Line does not drop you within easy walking distance of anyting you'd likely want to see and has been delay ridden with construction.
Worse case, traveling to downtown ( or the reverse) via car takes about an hour and half and best case can be done in 30 minutes. All depends on time and day of week.
CTA has gone way down hill in recent years with all the budget cuts, so not an ideal option in my view any more.
The Blue Line does not drop you within easy walking distance of anyting you'd likely want to see and has been delay ridden with construction.
Worse case, traveling to downtown ( or the reverse) via car takes about an hour and half and best case can be done in 30 minutes. All depends on time and day of week.
CTA has gone way down hill in recent years with all the budget cuts, so not an ideal option in my view any more.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ABQ & RNO
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, Piper Dakota, Admirals Club, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Gold, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 1,426
Be aware....we had a 3 hour + loop to airport trip on the blue line last week (after midnight) because of the construction. We were unloaded and had to take a bus between two blue line stops.
Last edited by 236Dakota; May 17, 2008 at 3:57 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 472
I've done this before and it worked out fine. Good luck
#14
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 67
Lesser known tip: There is a restaurant on the 95th floor of the Handcock with the same fantastic views as the observation deck. If you eat lunch there, you'll save yourself the observation deck fee. Admittedly though, the restaurant is rather over-priced.
#15
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago Area
Posts: 369
Was just about to recommned the same thing. You get the same great views and lunch while paying only slightly more. I would suggest making a reservation.